The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
All other sections in this Literature Study Guide are owned and copyrighted by BookRags, Inc.
Anxiety refers to an unpleasant, but normal, emotional state. If you are suffering from anxiety, you may feel nervous or fearful. You may even notice physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, and diarrhea. Anxiety is also a specific category of psychiatric disorder. In this case, the feelings and physical symptoms of anxiety overwhelm your ability to function normally. Specific anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social or other phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Alcohol, caffeine, and stimulant drugs such as amphetamines can contribute to feelings of anxiety. Some people with severe anxiety may drink alcohol or take nonprescribed sedative-hypnotics (such as Valium) in an attempt to relieve their symptoms, but these substances may worsen the condition.
Alcohol: Complications of Problem Drinking; Prescription Drug Abuse; Risk Factors for Substance Abuse; Sedative and Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs.